Our Research: The Test of Time
Bioniq® is different because Dr. Wolff is different. And so is our research. We don’t just sell dental care products that are clinically tested– we actively work to advance research in dental health. Our focus is on the key ingredient hydroxyapatite.
Research : Research on innovations featuring a unique key ingredient
Our teeth are constantly exposed to numerous attacks, for example from acidic drinks and foods. On top of this, there are the daily stresses caused by chewing, brushing and acids. As a result, microscopic defects develop and the tooth enamel becomes thinner and thinner.
Such tooth defects have now become widespread. To prevent common consequences such as pain, discoloration, and costly dental treatments, further research and innovative oral care products are necessary.
Innovative and connected everywhere
Ever since Dr. Wolff was founded over 100 years ago, research has been of central importance to us. Innovations in dental care are “Made in Germany” at our facility in Bielefeld and in collaboration with renowned dentists and scientists around the world.
In-house research—conducted in our own laboratories at our main campus in Bielefeld
Collaborative Research—with Independent Institutes, University Hospitals, and Dental Practices
Supporting Research—on a Small and Large Scale, Nationally and Internationally
Research Partners : We conduct research with many German institutions …
In vitro study shows: HAP remineralizes dentin and enamel (2011)
As early as 2011, we were able to demonstrate, in collaboration with Charité Berlin, that HAP remineralizes dentin and enamel more effectively than fluoride. This in vitro study investigated the effects of hydroxyapatite toothpastes on the remineralization of bovine enamel and dentin subsurface lesions.
The results showed that toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite had a greater remineralizing effect than those containing aminofluoride, and similar trends were observed for tooth enamel.
Read the study details: Enamel and Dentin Remineralization by Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpastes - ScienceDirect
Hydroxyapatite deposits on the tooth surface
In collaboration with the Max Planck Institute, we were able to show that hydroxyapatite deposits on the tooth surface and forms a protective layer that makes it more difficult for bacteria and acids to attack natural tooth enamel.
The study was conducted in vitro: enamel lamellae from bovine teeth were immersed in aqueous solutions containing 1%, 5%, and 10% hydroxyapatite particles. The degree of coverage was then measured and quantified using a scanning electron microscope: Even after a single immersion, the samples were clearly visible as being covered. With a 10% hydroxyapatite dispersion, more than one-third of the surface was covered by the protective layer after a short time.
Read the study details: Quantitative Affinity Parameters of Synthetic Hydroxyapatite and Enamel Surfaces In Vitro | Bioinspired, Biomimetic, and Nanobiomaterials | Emerald Publishing
Hydroxyapatite can whiten teeth after just one application
Together with the Fraunhofer Institute, we investigated whether hydroxyapatite can whiten teeth after just one application.
For this purpose, a hydroxyapatite gel was applied to teeth in vitro. A phosphate-containing ‘whitening’ mouthwash served as the control group, whilst water was used as the negative control. Following application in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the teeth were rinsed, dried and examined using a camera to assess any changes in colour and brightness.
The results showed that the group treated with hydroxyapatite exhibited a significant whitening effect compared with the baseline and also compared with the other two groups. Hydroxyapatite is gentle on the teeth; it even forms a protective layer, thereby whitening the teeth.
Read the study details: Thieme E-Journals - European Journal of Dentistry / Abstract
… and partners around the world
State-of-the-art
The use of hydroxyapatite is much more widespread than just in Germany. For decades now, hydroxyapatite has also been used in other countries, such as Japan. That is why there are many exciting opportunities worldwide to collaborate with scientists, which we are grateful to be able to take advantage of. Here is a selection:
Commitment : Impressive Pioneering Work
We have set a clear goal for ourselves: to ensure that everyone learns about hydroxyapatite and its benefits in dental care.
To that end, we conduct research and publish regularly in renowned scientific journals, and we present our work at leading trade shows in the dental industry, such as international conferences of the IADR (International Association for Dental Research), as well as at the International Dental Show in Cologne and IDEM in Singapore.
Canada
As part of a Canadian-German collaboration in 2021 at the University of Toronto, we were able to demonstrate, together with Dr. Kelsey O’Hagan-Wong and Prof. Hardy Limeback, that toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite are an effective alternative to fluoride for preventing tooth decay and are safe if swallowed.5,6
United States
In 2019, together with renowned cariologist Prof. B.T. Amaechi and colleagues at UT Health San Antonio in Texas, we were able to demonstrate that toothpaste containing HAP remineralizes tooth decay down to deep layers.7 And in 2020, we showed that an HAP gel is just as effective at remineralization as a highly concentrated fluoride gel.8
Netherlands
In her review article on active ingredients in toothpastes and mouthwashes (2019), we turned to dentist Dr. Barbara Simader to find the answer to the question, “Can we skip brushing our teeth thanks to mouthwashes?”9
Poland
In collaboration with a Polish research team led by Prof. Dr. Elżbieta Paszyńska, and together with American and German colleagues, we were able to confirm in a one-year multicenter clinical study that children’s toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite protects against cavities just as effectively as fluoride toothpaste.10
Thoughtful down to the smallest detail
In 2021, our researchers published an “Atlas of the Fine Structure of Our Teeth", which illustrates the fine structure of teeth using numerous scanning electron microscope (SEM) images.
The illustrated book includes chapters featuring SEM images of enamel and dentin in permanent teeth, including the effects of caries and erosion.
The high magnification of the images makes it possible to visualize even individual hydroxyapatite crystallites in the tooth enamel.
Products : Dental Care with Hydroxyapatite
Bioniq uses the innovative key ingredient hydroxyapatite to care for enamel.
Sources
- Limeback, H., Meyer, F., Enax, J. (2023): Tooth Whitening with Hydroxyapatite: A Systematic Review, Dent J, 12; 11(2):50.
- Hüttemann, R. W., Dönges, H. (1987): Treatment of dentin hypersensitivity with hydroxyapatite, Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 42(5):86-8.
- Limeback, H., Meyer, F., Enax, J. (2023): Tooth Whitening with Hydroxyapatite: A Systematic Review, Dent J, 12; 11(2):50.
- Fandrich, P., Stammler, F. J., Enax, J., et al. (2026): In vitro study on the neutralization potential of particulate hydroxyapatite in erosive acids. BDJ Open 12:25.
- Limeback, H., Enax, J., & Meyer, F. (2021): Biomimetic hydroxyapatite and caries prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Can J Dent Hyg.; 55(3):148–159.
- O'Hagan-Wong, K., Enax, J., Meyer, F., Ganss, B. (2021): The use of hydroxyapatite toothpaste to prevent dental caries. *Odontology*, Volume 110, pages 223–230
- Amaechi, B. T., AbdulAzees, P. A., Alshareif, D. O., Shehata, M. A., et al. (2019): Comparative efficacy of a hydroxyapatite and a fluoride toothpaste for the prevention and remineralization of dental caries in children. BDJ Open 5, 18
- Amaechi, B.T., AbdulAzees, P.A., Okoye, L.O., et al. (2020) Comparison of hydroxyapatite and fluoride oral care gels for the remineralization of initial caries: a pH-cycling study. BDJ Open 6, 98–159
- Meyer, F., Enax, J., Simader, B. (2019) Can we skip brushing our teeth thanks to mouthwash? Dental Tribune 6, 18–19
- Paszynska, E. et al. (2021): Impact of a toothpaste containing microcrystalline hydroxyapatite on the incidence of early childhood caries: a 1-year randomized clinical trial. Scientific Reports 11, 2650